Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

Hi all, traveling to Chicago for the weekend and staying near the loop. Any recommendations for readily available local canned/bottled IPA's that should be tried? Won't have time to stop at breweries unfortunately so will be more of a grab and go operation. Thanks.

 

Agreed on FR and Corridor. Really excellent brews. I would add RAM to that top tier if Shawn was still there.

 

Warehouse Liquors in the South Loop area (?) and Binny's on Grand Avenue.

 

That's bc, IMO, the hype train has driven their sales. It's not flying off of the shelves simply bc it's a quality product or superior to other local beers in that same NE style

 

You are mental.

 

Galaxy Bowl is one of the best NE IPAs produced in Chicago. A lot of their other stuff isn't as good but there's no disputing when they put out a quality product it is one of the best around.

 

Bro, you don't like HB. It's fine. It doesn't seem like anyone here is telling you to like their beer if that's how you feel. You take every chance to say you don't like their beers and talk shit about people who do like their beers. What's your end game plan here other than to get under people's skin?

 

I think hype plays a role, and not just for HB, but I don't think you can deny that people genuinely enjoy their beers. I think there are a number of different variables that help out as well; their canned format, small batches, distribution around the city, and the appeal of one-off and rotational releases. I also think they're one of these polarizing Chicago breweries that have created a following. Either way, I think removing the New England descriptor from their packaging was smart. They seem to have developed their own niche in the local hop game.

 

Grrrr it makes me SO mad when people like something I don't like!!!!

 

Yep we get it, you don't like their beer. Why does that mean we all have to?

 

For me, the NE descriptor on the packaging and in their IG posts made it look like the beer didn't turn out like they intended it to (speculation on my part). Which was a turnoff for me even if it tasted good. The same way I can still eat and enjoy a French dip even if I ordered an Italian beef [insert food rabbit hole discussion]. Now its just an IPA.

 

Thanks guys. Will check out Warehouse for sure since it will be close.

 

And to be fair to Hop Butcher, they have adjusted, probably in large part based upon customer's concerns. I think it's best to not hold it against them any longer.

 

Even when Hop Butcher had the NE descriptor on the label I had to check Untappd first to see what I was getting into

 

I definitely think it can be a distraction, even for the brewer. I also think there is a learning curve brewing the "style" and trying to work that out within the market is harder for a smaller brewery.

The vastness of a Beer Nerd's memory bank is fascinating considering how much alcohol is involved. We'll be reading about Belgian esters 10 years from now.

 

there is no game plan. im not trolling. i'm sharing my opinion on a public forum which has the sole purpose of being a community to share your opinion about any number of topics. its a discussion.

if im getting under your skin by talking shit about a brewery i think you need to toughen up a bit.